Thames Valley Police ready for elected commissioners

The inspectorate was satisfied that Thames Valley Police is ready for the change

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Thames Valley police is well prepared for the arrival of police and crime commissioners later this year, say independent inspectors.

From November, directly elected police and crime commissioners (PCCs) will hold chief constables to account and police and crime panels will scrutinise their actions. Police authorities will be abolished.

Police forces around the country are preparing for the new roles and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has produced a report to outline how satisfied it is with how ready forces are.

According to the report, Thames Valley Police is well equipped for the move and is capable of ensuring its preparations will not affect the way it operates on a day-to-day basis.

The HMIC assessed each force in four areas: how it is ensuring business as usual, how the transition is being managed and risks mitigated, is the police authority ready for the handover and are other stakeholders, like the council, involved in the process.

In all areas the HMIC was satisfied that Thames Valley Police is ready for the change.

Paul Hammond, chief executive and treasurer of Thames Valley police Authority said: “Whilst there is still more work to do, it is good to receive positive feedback that we have sound planning arrangements for preparing for transition to the PCC.”

Khan Juna, chairman of Thames Valley police Authority, added: “I am pleased Her Majesty’s Inspectorate have acknowledged the ongoing commitment of Police Authority members to ensure that ‘business-as-usual’ is being maintained despite the abolition of the Authority and introduction of PCCs in November. This clearly demonstrates how seriously members take their responsibilities.”

Nominations will open on October 8 for the role and close on October 19. There will be a public vote for the role of PCC on November 15 before the elected person takes up the role on November 22.